According to Harvard Health, advancing in age and/or having a relative that has suffered a stroke increase the likelihood of a stroke; however, they provide eight lifestyle changes that can help prevent strokes.
Lower blood pressure.
Reduce salt and cholesterol in your diet
Eat well.
Aim for 4 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day, 2 to 3 servings of fish per week, and daily servings of whole grains and low-fat dairy
Exercise.
Achieve at least 30 minutes of exercise each day (aim for more if possible).
Quit smoking!
As if there weren’t enough reasons to quit, smoking accelerates clot formation by thickening your blood and increasing the amount of plaque buildup in the arteries.
Mind your weight.
Obesity, along with comorbidities such as diabetes and high blood pressure, increase your chance of stroke. If your body mass index (BMI) classifies you as overweight, losing as little as 10 pounds can have a significant impact on your risk of stroke.
Cut back on alcohol.
Drink in moderation— aim for no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Your best choice is a 5-ounce glass of red wine, which contains resveratrol, thought to protect both your heart and brain.
Treat atrial fibrillation.
This condition is a form of irregular heartbeat that causes clots to form in the heart. These clots can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Symptoms of atrial fibrillation include heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
Treat diabetes.
Monitor your blood sugar and follow treatment guidelines recommended by your doctor in order to keep blood sugar under control and reduce stroke risk.
Source: 7 Things You Can Do To Prevent a Stroke. Nov 2017. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/8-things- you-can-do-to-prevent-a-stroke
